Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

qbrozen · May 2010

$500. Found it on Ebay from a shop that was going out of business about an hour from home. Runs off electricity and air compressor (so you need one of those if you don't already have it).

My father had an old bubble balancer he wasn't using, so he gave that to me. I have successfully balanced wheels using that thing that shops with the electronic balancers couldn't do properly. Sometimes you just can't beat old school.

The cost effectiveness of it really depends on what you are trying to do. Mine paid for itself in the first summer I had it. The last straw for me is when I went to Sears with 2 sets of tires and wheels and wanted them swapped. They quoted me $200! Bought the machine the next week and that was the first job I did with it. So I was already down to the machine owing me $300. Then proceeded to replace 3 sets of tires in the first 2 months of ownership. I've done somewhere around 10-12 swaps already. Mostly mine, but also did my brother's and sister's cars.

Being an autoX'er, I think it makes more sense for me than most people. You can get cheaper ones, though. But not much. I mean, even the little units are like $300-$350 used. Granted, though, I think I got a hell of a deal on this. I can't remember the name at the moment, but it looks exactly like this (only blue):

The smaller, cheaper ones look like the following, but what bugs me about them is they are also limited on size. This one won't handle anything over 17" wheels:

garv214 · May 2010

I get a bit bored of going to car shows and seeing endless camaros and mustangs... I find myself drawn to the cars aren't quite so popular or common...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1763252533.html

andre1969 · May 2010

That is a neat old beast. And with the 375 hp 440, I'm sure it moves pretty good, too! Dunno if that's a fair price or not, but it seems like a lot of car for the money.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

market correct price for a clean driver.

garv214 · May 2010

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Buick-Skylark-GS-400-Convertible-Ram-Air-/25- 0637616898?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a5b2a8702

I really like the look of this one (certainly this is the condition to get one if you are going to buy one). The company selling it has it advertised for just under $30K. We will see what the EBAY market thinks it is worth.

What does your experience say Shifty?

garv214 · May 2010

My wife is away this weekend, do you think I should "surprise" her with a "new" Dodge convertible???

:sick:

bhill2 · May 2010

OK, I am intrigued. The clone convertible states that it has a close-ratio 4-speed with overdrive. I have never heard of that. Did some people tack one on to lessen the effects of having a 4.11 or 4.56 rear end?

garv214 · May 2010

I am intrigued that NADA has a market value for cloned Pace Cars.... I am assuming that the NADA price is for a real 396 Pace car, so the "savings" from the NADA guide is more than a little bit bogus... :lemon:

Nice car though :P

omarman · May 2010

Funny, but I liked the Pace Car clone vert too except that the seller posted a VIN # which decodes as a coupe instead of a convertible. :confuse:

qbrozen · May 2010

Craigs
Bimmerfest
and Ebay

BMW Ad

stickguy · May 2010

if it was a 5 speed, I would buy it.

And you managed to get the entire fleet in the pictures, except for the latest track toy (you are holding at 6, right?)

Hey, look at the CCB thread. How much is a 2001 BMW wagon worth?

And those are timing belts still, right? Not chains?

qbrozen · May 2010

Thanks.

Is that the automatic 5-series? I don't think you'd be happy with it. Heck, why an automatic saddled with 3700 lbs, but not my much lighter cabrio? :P

I don't know for sure, but I'd guess its still a belt. Value? No idea. My Galves subscription expired ... although I do want to get the 1-year plan they are offering me for like $140.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

I'd hit the 69 GS at about $20K-21K is all the money in the world here.

It has a color change (should be Green), and I can see some overspray, rusty rocker covers, a few other nitpicks. So it's a low #2 car with a color change, perhaps a #3?.

As for NADA prices, if you want my advice, just throw them out the window and never look at them again. They are completely without merit IMO.

What would I offer? About $17.5K if it's a #3 upon closer inspection. Maybe $20K if it's a really nice high #3, low #2 (local show quality).

Here's one that might be nicer, with all documentation, that sold at BJ for $32K (plus commission, so add 10%). They are also asking $29.5K or "BO", so they'd probably take $27K, which means if you bought it as BJ, you lost a quick $7K, which is just about the BJ "glitz premium" you pay---around 20% over fair market.

http://cars-on-line.com/46497.html

Here's $26,9K so figure you can offer $24K

http://cars-on-line.com/46497.html

(we're getting close to fair market here).

fintail · May 2010

That's pretty cool yeah, unique. And I am sure it could even be had for a little less, I don't see a "firm" in the ad. It looks like a nice driver...highly optioned,. good colors, big engine, and it's very unusual, for a fraction of the price of the popular common cars.

garv214 · May 2010

I have seen both cars...why it that the yellow cars always seem to survive... I like the BJ car b/c it has A/C (wonder if it needs a recharge...), and they have an engine pic (kinda small though). The other hyperlink was for the same car, but I found the car you intended to link very easily...(yet another yellow one). Funny, they have 24 pics, but none of the engine bay...what is up with that?

http://www.flemingsultimategarage.com/1969-buick-gs400-convertible--c-1219.htm

andre1969 · May 2010

I wonder how much you'd have to spend on a '68 Chevy Impala convertible to get to the level of performance of that '68 Dodge? The vast majority of '68 Impalas were probably just 307's or 327's, and I'm sure even one of those would set you back a lot more than $9500 or so. My old car book lists a 325 hp 396 being offered in the big cars that year. there was a 350 and 375 hp version, but my book shows that engine only going in the Camaro and Chevelle. There was a 427 with 385 or 425 hp, and it would probably take one of those to beat that 375 hp 440. And I'm sure one of those would be extremely pricey.

Now to be honest, I think that '68 Dodge is a bit homely compared to a '68 Impala...but I think that's part of its charm!

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

Yeah AC is worth extra $$$. Also looks like a high #3/low #2 car.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

Oh you can buy nicely built, turn key crate engine power for an Impala that would crush that Dodge, for maybe $4000--$5000 bucks. Or you can get crazy for $7500.

Some of the crate engines even come with modern fuel injection, which would really be nice. A 383 stroker (which may be overkill) with FI could put out 450HP no problem.

andre1969 · May 2010

Oh you can buy nicely built, turn key crate engine power for an Impala that would crush that Dodge, for maybe $4000--$5000 bucks. Or you can get crazy for $7500.

Oh I'm sure you could, but I'm talking about bone-stock cars here, as they were originally equipped. Besides, you could always upgrade that Dodge's motor, as well, if you really wanted to.

But, how much would an equivalent-condition stock '68 Impala convertible with a 325 hp 396 go for? Or one with a 385 hp 427? I'm presuming the 425 hp model was mainly a racing engine, and probably didn't make it into very many, if any, convertibles?

fintail · May 2010

A similarly loaded Impala would probably cost at least twice as much, with everything being stock...a 427 would be worth big money oh yeah. Even the 396 would add some value. And then it's a lot more common than the Dodge. It's not a beautiful design...but when was the last time anyone saw one, especially so well equipped and apparently roadworthy?

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

The prices for old cars are, as you know, driven primarily by supply and demand. The skills of hype, chicanery, and super-salesmanship can only go so far---ultimately, it's a matter of you wanting what everyone else wants, and thus paying more for it.

A 396 Impala in really nice shape (#2) might be worth $27,500 and a 427 would probably approach or even exceed $40,000.

So in those terms, the Dodge looks like a real bargain. But alas, you DO have to look at it everyday. It's possible that one could grow to love it, I don't know. If it were cheap enough, I think you'd get more than enough bang for your buck. People might not OOOOOH and AWWWWWW at it all the time, but if that's what you're in it for, then don't buy a full-size 68 Dodge. :shades:

omarman · May 2010

46 bids and auction ended yesterday with winning bid of $64,100. :surprise:

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

Totally nuts. I can only surmise that either a) the drag racing history documentation turned up with photos and trophies and a well-known race driver, or b) the buyers *think* that there is documentation or that hear-say evidence of a race history is going to matter.

If the car had a significant and successful racing history, that's worth some additional money, because this might give you entry into vintage re-creation events. But the various groups that sponsor vintage events of this type are often particular about proof of history.

It's like this:

Scenario A: "Here's a photo of Fat Wally Walters accepting a trophy from Linda Vaughn, Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, in 19XX at the Indy Drag Nationals"

Scenario B: "I was told by my neighbor's uncle, who bought the car from a guy in Phoenix, that it was raced at Indy in the 60s by some guy from Spokane"

Mr_Shiftright · May 2010

omarman · May 2010

boomchek · May 2010

I thought, boy that's a tall lady there standing by the shifter beside the building.

lemko · June 2010

A college classmate of mine had a red 1968 Dodge Polara convertible with a black top. Some idiot drunk driver ran into it when it was parked and totaled it.

qbrozen · June 2010

Wife just took a deposit on her E30. Agreed price is $3k, which was her bottom line (I would have gone lower, personally, but it is her car, so her call, and she got her price, so good for her).

qbrozen · June 2010

Correction. She now has full amount in hand and buyer (retired mechanic) is on his way to the DMV with the title.

lemmer · June 2010

I figured you'd sell it pretty fast. It is a good looking car. Low buck convertibles are hard to come by, and most I see are trashed.

What now? Found anything else?

qbrozen · June 2010

Nope. Well, nothing SHE would want.

I think we'll sit tight until the Fall. Better deals to be had on the verts at that time.

Although, there is a 105k mile red Solara on Ebay right now.

omarman · June 2010

When a Mustang comes up for sale close to home, I'll keep reading the ad even if it's a 6 cylinder. But I'm starting to wonder why...

Seller in Westerville describes his "V6" vert as an inexpensive way to get started in the classic car hobby. Now he wants to trade up to something in the $35K range and will consider a Hemi Cuda or Challenger on his list of possible trades.

Any takers?

texases · June 2010

Not asking for much, is he? I'm sure the Hemi Cuda owners will be beating a path to his door to enjoy the raw power of that 200 cid/AT combo :P

And kinda odd somebody went to all the trouble to do a 5-lug wheel/brake conversion on the car without putting in a V8 :confuse:

Mr_Shiftright · June 2010

He should just rip out that pathetic 6 and throw it over a fence, and install a healthy 302 crate engine and 4-speed. You can't "devalue" a 6 cylinder car by this upgrade (because why Shifty?)----because a 4/speed V8 is what *everybody* wants in an old Mustang and Human Want dictates the price of things.

His strategy to trade up isn't wise IMO because the *only* Hemi Cuda owner or 57 Chevy owner who would spring for this kind of deal would be desperate to unload a RAT.

au1994 · June 2010

wonder how many folks have told him there's no "V" in that 6.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2010

Too bad---the new Mustang V-6 is pretty hot. Actually that would be a good conversion, too, to a fuel-injected 2010 V-6 engine. You'd probably get great gas mileage on such a light car and no doubt smack down any old carbureted 289 V-8.

I've seen, in my day, quite a few "modernized" 65-67 Mustang convertibles, and I like 'em a lot. Better engine, better brakes and better suspension make for a great touring car in the sunshine.

The original Mustang was built, as you probably know, on the cheap--cheap.

And it shows.

jlflemmons · June 2010

"The original Mustang was built, as you probably know, on the cheap--cheap.

And it shows. "

As the previous owner of a '66, I can honestly say that truer words were never spoken of the early Mustang.

texases · June 2010

I can't imagine how my '65 Mustang could have been made any cheaper. My '72 Duster was a steel vault in comparison!

tjc78 · June 2010

Too bad---the new Mustang V-6 is pretty hot. Actually that would be a good conversion, too, to a fuel-injected 2010 V-6 engine.

Any of the new "hot" V6s would be awesome in the older "muscle" cars. If you could get the wiring sorted out. GMs DI 3.6, Ford's new 3.7, heck if you aren't a purest Toyota's 2GR would be awesome. 300 HP, and 30 MPG to boot in an old car. Too bad it would probably cost more than just throwing in a crate engine and a 4 barrel.

Lets go out and find a 69 Camaro 6cyl with a good body and a wrecked 08/09 Caddy CTS and make it happen..

gsemike · June 2010

I can't kill the guy fior asking about a trade. Since he mentioned trading up, I presume that he knows that he'll have to throw in some cash. Times are tough right now. Maybe somebody sprung for a 30k car a few years and regretting it due to the beating their investments. It's possible that somebody could see that and think that they would be happier with the Mustang and 10 or 15k cash. Don't know until you ask.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2010

Yeah but Hemi Cuda guys are in such a different universe than 6 cylinder Mustang guys----the mind boggles.

WANTED: "I'd like to trade my butterfly net for an AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of armor-piercing ammo"

boomchek · June 2010

"EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR HAS BEEN EITHER REPLACED OR REPAIRED" Not sure if this is supposed to inspire confidence. Somebody also forgot to tell him that the money he put in for repairs won't increase the car's value.

Eldorado for $14k

Mr_Shiftright · June 2010

Oops! He said "reasonable offer"----okay, then, $4500 should be about right.

"VERY NICE EXAMPLE OF A LUXURY CAR AT THE FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF A NEW CADILLAC."

True, but you're also getting a fraction of the performance and reliability of a new Cadillac :P

explorerx4 · June 2010

everyone is thinking there is something wrong with me because i am laughing so hard.

of course they are right, but for the wrong reasons.
although i am not a big fan of the pre 67 mustangs, i saw a dark blue convertible with a super straight body today that just dropped my jaw.
maybe it will be at the local mustang show next sunday.

texases · June 2010

Again with the SPAM :sick: :mad:

Mr_Shiftright · June 2010

pests have been trapped and released back to their natural environment. :shades:

texases · June 2010

I just read about this Ford web site that lets you find Ford-approved restoration parts for Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Ford trucks. Pretty Neat

stickguy · June 2010

But, I am proud of myself. I actually did some DIY auto maintenance on my TL!

Well, it consisted of putting in a new air filter, and cleaning off the battery terminals. But, I still got my hands dirty.

Way more of a bear than I expected. Seems that the airbox screws were last put on with an impact wrench. Impossible to get off with a screwdriver. And it took searching 3 tool boxes for a stray nut driver tht would fit an 8mm socket. And that was still a beast to turn.

Seems I do not have a ratchet extension for my smallest socket, and I only have an 8mm socket in the small size. Hence, the required search for an alternative.

But, sinally got it done. Old one did have quite a bit of crud in it.

Now have to do same thing on the odyssey. Hopefully that won't be as hard to get off. And I did keep out the nut driver!

Man, I miss the old round covers with a wing nut. I even miss the better design of an airbox held on with those snap/tension clamps.

stickguy · June 2010

Dumb TL has struts for the hood. QUite the luxury touch (no prop rod), except they are getting weak, and occastionally the hood falls on your head. Got a little nasty note about that one from the honda tech after it's last oil change!

After pricing them, and looking at ow they are installed, I think a nice piece of scrap wood from under the workbench will do just fine.

Used an old baseball bat yesterday.

oregonboy · June 2010

I think a nice piece of scrap wood from under the workbench will do just fine.

I like it! Simple, low-tech, and it's bio-degradable! :shades:

Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

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